The Brown Eared Pheasant is a large ground-dwelling bird, notable for its distinctive "ear tufts" of elongated white feathers on the throat and sides of the head. Its plumage is primarily brown with a bluish-black sheen on the back, shoulders, and wing coverts, while the underside has a grayish tone. Males have glossy black heads, whereas females are light brown. The broad tail consists of 22 grayish-white rectrices with dark brown, sometimes purplish-blue tips. The bill is robust, yellowish at the base, turning reddish at the tip. Legs are red; males have spurs, females do not. The male reaches about 100 cm in length, with a tail of ~54 cm; females are smaller.
Range and Habitat
Historically, this species inhabited western China and Inner Mongolia. It prefers low forests and shrublands with clearings and streams on rocky hills, including areas near the remnants of the Great Wall west and north of Beijing. In the past, it ranged from southeastern Inner Mongolia to central Shanxi province. It favors areas combining sparse tree cover with dense undergrowth.
Conservation Status
Due to habitat loss, the Brown Eared Pheasant has become very rare. It is formally protected in China. Local populations are vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, human disturbance, and poaching.
